Erie Gems (Part 3): Summer Festivals & Farmers’ Markets

In 2024, we started a series called “Erie Gems,” where we highlight a variety of people, places, and things that make Erie, PA, special. In Part 1, we highlighted Erie’s amazing beaches, breweries, and bakeries, and in Part 2, we showcased various distillers, donuts, and delis.

Now, with signs of summer all around us, Maleno wants to highlight a variety of summer festivals and farmers’ markets happening around Erie, Pennsylvania.

Please note: There are so many incredible events happening in Erie this summer. If your favorite event isn’t on this list, don’t worry! We’ll be adding more in the future. Know, too, that this list isn’t in ranking order! We’re just showcasing the festivals and farmers’ markets that Erie has to offer.

Erie Summer Festivals

Photo Credit: Erie Zoo

1. Glow Wild Chinese Lantern Festival at the Erie Zoo

Having built Maleno Adventure Woods playground at the Erie Zoo, it holds a special place in our hearts at Maleno. And this summer, the zoo is going to help Erie glow a bit brighter from April 17 to June 15 as it transforms into a radiant world of color and culture with Glow Wild: The Chinese Lantern Festival.

Wander through stunning, larger-than-life lantern displays—each handcrafted to celebrate the beauty of Chinese wildlife and traditions. This nationally acclaimed festival has been a massive success in cities such as Atlanta, Georgia, and Washington, D.C., and it is now in Erie.

• When: Thursdays–Sundays, April 17 – June 15 | 6:00 p.m. –10:00 p.m.
• Where: Erie Zoo
• Tickets: Erie Zoo

Photo Credit: North East Firemen's Cherry Festival

2. 78th Annual North East Firemen's Cherry Festival

The Annual North East Firemen's Cherry Festival is one of Erie's most beloved summer traditions! Since 1945, the Cherry Festival has brought together families, friends, and neighbors within and beyond the North East community.

From classic carnival games to live entertainment, there's something for all ages. Make sure you're there for Pennsylvania's largest volunteer firefighters' Parade, happening Saturday, July 12, at 2 p.m. along Main Street. Expect bands, fire trucks, horses, and show-stopping performances in a vibrant tribute to the spirit of North East.

• When: July 9–12, 2025
• Where: North East, Pennsylvania
• More Information: necherryfestival.org

Photo Credit: Assumption Greek Othodox Church

3. 37th Annual Panegyri Greek Festival

Immerse yourself in Greece's sights, sounds, and flavors right here in Erie. The Panegyri Greek Festival is the city's largest cultural celebration, bringing thousands together to honor Greek heritage with two full days of food, music, and community.

Feast on authentic Greek cuisine such as gyros, souvlaki, and baklava, catch performances by Greek dance troupes, and tour the beautiful Assumption Greek Orthodox Church to learn about the rich traditions and faith that have shaped Greek culture for centuries.

• When: July 11–12, 2025 | 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• Where: Assumption Greek Orthodox Church (4376 West Lake Rd, Erie, PA)
• More Information: eriegreekorthodox.org/about/festival

Photo Credit: Amerimasal.org

4. AmeriMasala Festival 2025

The AmeriMasala Festival is one of Erie’s boldest, brightest, and most original celebrations of culture. It combines music, food, dance, and performance for one unforgettable event.

Bring your friends, kids, curiosity, and dancing shoes. The AmeriMasala Festival is free and for everyone.

• When: July 19 | 11:00 AM
• Where: Downtown Erie, PA
• More Information: Facebook

Photo Credit: Erie Sports Commission

5. Lake Erie Cyclefest 2025

Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or a casual rider, Lake Erie Cyclefest is a great way to explore Erie. With routes that stretch from sandy beaches to rolling vineyards, this four-day celebration has a ride for everyone.

Registration: The event is free, but registration is required. Voluntary donations to Bike Erie are encouraged and appreciated.

• When: July 24–27, 2025
• Where: Erie, Pennsylvania
• More Information: eriesportscommission.com

Photo Credit: Erie Blues & Jazz Festival

6. Erie Blues & Jazz Festival 2025

Now in its 33rd year, the Erie Blues & Jazz Festival is one of Erie's most cherished summer traditions. From nationally touring headliners to regional legends and local favorites, this free outdoor celebration is a tribute to one of America's greatest musical gifts: blues & jazz.

This festival brings people together through the universal language of music. Whether you're a lifelong jazz lover or new to the genre, the Erie Blues & Jazz Festival invites you to let the music move you.

• When: August 2–3 | 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
• Where: Frontier Park
• More Information: eriebluesandjazz.com

Photo Credit: VisitErie

7. St. Paul's Annual Italian Festival 2025

Visit the heart of Erie's Little Italy as St. Paul's Roman Catholic Church hosts the beloved Annual Italian Festival. It's a joyful weekend celebrating Italian-American heritage, faith, and family. From Friday, August 8, through Sunday, August 10, the community comes together for a lively mix of traditional food, music, dancing, and devotion.

• When: August 8–10 | St. Paul's Roman Catholic Church
• Where: 1617 Walnut Street, Erie, PA 16502*
• More Information: facebook.com/saintpaulsitalianfestival

Photo Credit: CelebrateErie

8. CelebrateErie 2025

Celebrate the artistry, music, and people of Erie at CelebrateErie 2025, a three-day, city-wide festival. From Friday, August 15, through Sunday, August 17, downtown Erie transforms into a hub for family-friendly fun, food, and local pride.

Catch performances throughout the weekend, with concerts beginning daily at 5:30 p.m. on the Mainstage at 4th & State, culminating in headlining acts at 8 p.m. each night. Stay tuned for this year's exciting lineup!

• When: August 15–17
• Where: Downtown Erie | Perry Square
• More Information: celebrateerie.com

Erie Farmers Markets

Photo Credit: LEAFErie.org

1. LEAF's Open Market

Hosted by the Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier (LEAF), the Open Market is a seasonal, curated outdoor market in Frontier Park that brings together Erie’s farmers and artisans to celebrate all things fresh, local, and handcrafted. It is open every other Saturday from June through September.

You can find fresh fruits and vegetables, artisanal bread and pastries, local honey and herbs, and so much more. Whether you’re grabbing ingredients for the week or shopping for summer gifts, the LEAF Open Market is worth a visit.

Photo Credit: SSJNN.org

2. Little Italy Farmers Market

The Little Italy Farmers Market is rooted in community, equity, and wellness. Open every Monday from June to September, the market brings fresh, locally grown produce and handmade goods to the heart of Erie's Little Italy.

This farmers market is the only one in Erie offering a dollar-for-dollar match on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program, and Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) vouchers. It empowers individuals and families to maximize their food budgets while choosing healthy, high-quality ingredients. Thanks to generous donors, the market grows and serves more people every year.

3. South East Erie Farmers Market

Since 2009, the South East Erie Farmers Market has been a staple of neighborhood connection and urban revitalization. What began as a reclaimed vacant lot has become a vibrant gathering place for Erie residents to enjoy fresh, local, and sustainable food.

This market is a joint effort between the South East Hills Neighborhood Watch and Mercyhurst University, which is dedicated to providing healthy food access while strengthening neighborhood ties. Come shop and connect with your community every Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., July through October, on the corner of East 38th Street and Pine Avenue.

Photo Credit: North East's Gibson Park Open Market

4. North East Farm Market

Spend your Saturdays soaking in the charm of downtown North East at the North East Farm Market. Shop from local growers and makers and stock up on your favorite products, baked goods, and other artisan-made products. The Farm Market takes place every Saturday, from June 7 to September 6, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Gibson Park, Downtown North East, PA.

Celebrating Erie Summers

Erie is a one-of-a-kind lakeside city and county. By sharing these festivals and farmers’ markets, Maleno hopes to boost civic pride, encourage local shopping, strengthen tourism, and inspire people to make Erie the place they call home.

If you’re in the market to build, buy, or rent your next home, please reach out today. We’d be excited to show you all that Erie has to offer!